Sharks suffer triple Super rugby blow for Reds clash

The Sharks have suffered a massive triple blow ahead of their Super Rugby play-off as Springbok pair Patrick Lambie and Frans Steyn and Lock Pieter-Steph du Toit have been ruled out of their match against the Reds.

The Sharks took the last Super Rugby play off spot and must now travel to Queensland to face Australian Conference winners the Reds in Brisbane on Saturday.

Utility back Lambie aggravated an ankle injury during the 34-15 win over the Cheetahs on Saturday, while centre Steyn was ruled out of the remainder of the competition due to a Sanzar ruling - he was signed by the union after the April 1 transfer deadline.

Du Toit is also not in the 24-man squad after also picking up a recurring ankle problem, while loose forward Jean Deysel has been dropped.

John Plumtree's men, however, have been boosted by the fitness of another lock Steven Sykes, as well as prop Tendai Mtawarira, a late withdrawal from the Cheetahs match due to a gastro problem.

The pair are part of 13 forwards named, with 11 backline players selected.